Sandakphu Phalut Trek

Ain't the name so unique?

And so is the trek that goes by its name. SandakphuPhalut is a trek with uniqueness. It's the only trek that lets you witness the four highest peaks of the World in one frame, moreover being at 11,950 feet, you can witness the peaks 8000 meters high. Considered the highest point in West Bengal, Sandakphu is at the edge of Singalila National Park, near the Indo-Nepal Border.

A moderate level trek that stretches over seven days of duration, you will be breathing fresh air at 11950 feet, away from all the hustle-bustle life offers you every day. On your left is the cluster of the Everest, and then there are Lhotse and Makaluwon't that be a sight to be mesmerized with?

And it doesn't stop there, turn to your right, and you witness the Sleeping Buddha, a sight that starts from the very first day of the trek, and it keeps you going. The Sleeping Buddha is a cluster of Kanchenjunga, the third-highest peak in the World.

Also commonly referred to as Trekkers Wonderland, flora and fauna, there is a great example of biodiversity that the Himalayas offer you. Let's make our conversation deeper by getting to know what Sandakphu has to offer you.

Short Itinerary:

Here's a short itinerary for your reference: (For timings and stays for the same, please connect with us)

Day 1: Bagdogra Airport/ Railway Station/Kaventers Milkshake Shop to Srikhola ( Distance: 112 km and 5-6 hours of drive)

Cost: Railway station/Airport to Srikhola INR 1000-1300 per Person.

Kaventers to Srikhola INR 600-720 per person.

Day 2:From Srikhola to Samanden

Distance: 9 km

Trek hours: 6-7 hours

Day 3:From Samanden to Sabargram

Distance: 12 km

Trek hours: 7 hours

Day 4: From Sabargram to the Phalut then to Molley

Distance: 6 km

Trek hours: 3 hours

Day 5: From Molley to Sandakphu

Distance: 12 km

Trek hours: 7 hours

Day 6: From Sandakphu to Gurdam

Distance: 16 km

Trek hours: 6 hours

Day 7: From Gurdam to Srikhola and then drop at Airport/Railway station

Distance (Trek): 11 km

Trek hours: 5 hours

Distance (Drive to Airport/Railways): 126 km

Distance (Drive): 6.5 hours

The cost of transportation to the airport/railways may change depending upon the route back. It may increase by INR 100-300 more than what you paid on Day 1.

Note: The food is provided through the Tea Houses on the way. Your extra luggage is stored at Srikhola in one of the Tea Houses, from where you can collect it on the return.

The Long Itinerary:

A moderate-level trek spread over seven days and conquering 11950 feet. The below itinerary is an indicative one, a few changes here and there could be done as and when required.

Day 1: Pick up from Airport/Railways

The New Jalpaiguri is the closest railway station, and Bagdogra is the Airport you have to land at. From here is the journey towards the most cherished base camp at Srikhola. It's a 4-5 hours journey passing by the beautiful Tea Estates and Small Villages as you wave at the locals who welcome you with a whole heart. You would be at an altitude of 6400 ft. There are three pickup points, the railway station, the Airport, and Keventers Milkshake Shop. The railway pickups are arranged only if the travelers are five or more in number.

Per Person Cost (On Arrival and Departure): INR 1000-1300 or INR 600-720 (Depending upon your pickup point and number of people traveling in the vehicle for transportation)

Day 2: From Srikhola to Samanden

This is when your trek begins. It's a moderate-level trek to Samanden. A mix of steep and gradual ascent, on this trail, you will pass by the water resources of Lamyadhura, Meghma, and Chittrey. On this day, make sure you start on time and complete it by afternoon; though the trek is not challenging, the slight mountain showers can make it difficult. You will be climbing from 6400 ft to 9450 ft. A 9 km trek to be completed in 6-7 hrs.

The trek has a few rocky and muddy patches that can be easily conquered. It begins by moving across the main road from your homestay at Srikhola towards Chittrey. A 3 km trek through dense forests and beautiful landscape where you can capture the villages and mountains around.

At the end of this 3 km trek, you will notice towards your left a motorable road going upwards, and a little below, you can notice the Chittrey Monastery with prayers flags calling for your attention. This is known as Upper Chittrey where you take a break for some time.

From here, the trek becomes a bit steeper; there are steps made by cutting the mountains to help the locals and trekkers alike. The moment you reach Lamyadhura, you will start getting the feel of a beautiful valley with meadows and beautiful flowers in bloom. Here you can also notice the motorable road which walks by you all along the trail; hence you can never be lost; the motorable road always has some of the land rovers transporting the tourists to Sandakphu and Phalut.

The Lamyadhura is a small village inhabited by the Tibetans, who run their livelihood through small tea houses and snack corners. From here, the trek ahead to Meghma is a 3 km steep climb. Cheemal and Magnolia cover up the whole terrain here, and if you are lucky, the Red Panda may greet you too. On this route, you will encounter the SSB Check Post hence keep all your documents handy.

More up the hill, you find another Buddhist Monastery which you can visit if it's open. In another 4 minutes, you reach a fork point, turn to your left and catch a breath at one of the tea houses before you treat yourself to Lunch.

From Meghma, you leave for Tonglu/Tumling that is 2 km away. It takes around another 30-40 minutes to reach there, and that's when the day trek ends. You reach the Nepal border here, and there are few guesthouses on the Nepal side. If your luck supports and clouds have not hovered over, you will witness the "Sleeping Buddha" from here.

Day 3: From Samanden to Sabargram

Again a moderate level trek for about 6-7 hours covering 12 km. The trek passes by two water resources known as Garibas and Kaiyakatta. Climbing from 9450 ft to 10400 ft has a mix of steep ascents and descents.

It's a magical day when you wake up to the first sun rays falling upon the beautiful "Sleeping Buddha." A view to live for, you will feel you have come to another world where life just gave you an option of levitating to heaven. From here, the Everest may not be visible, but the whole cluster of Kanchenjunga is elated to welcome you.

You witness the peaks of Kumbhkarana, Simvo and Kachenjunga. And it doesn't end here; right below these peaks, you can notice the Rathong, South Kabru, Koktang, Frey, Kabru Forked, Ridge of Pandim, and Goecha. From here, you can also notice the Goecha La, a famous trek in Sikkim.

From Tumling, you head towards Kalipokhri in Singalia National Park. Here you get to choose to take the motorable road or a hiking trail. Both eventually lead you to Garibas. Preferably choose the trail as it's full of beauty and views to live for. This 5 km trek will make you witness the majestic Himalayas and the flora and fauna they offer. Gradually you will reach a point where to your right will be India, and to your left will be Nepal.

Garibas is a tiny village that has few overnight staying options in guesthouses on the Nepal Side. On your right is India's SSB checkpoint, where you will have to pay the entry fee.

You may choose to take a break here or move ahead to KaiyaKatta, which is 2kms away but is a steep climb with steps cut through the mountain, or you can choose the beautiful motorable road too. At KaiyaKatta, take a break for amazing Nepali Lunch.

Post Lunch continues your journey to Kalipokhri, the final destination for the day. This is the stretch where you can stop for bird watching for some time. In about 2 hrs, you will reach a bean-shaped lake known as KaliPokhri, which in English translates to Black Lake. On the opposite end of this lake is a small Buddhist temple, and you are on the border of Nepal and India. Five minutes from here is your resting point for the day, a cozy Tea House. If you have stamina left, then you may take a stroll in the Ilam district, a small town in the interiors of Nepal.

Day 4: From Sabargram to Phalut and then to Molley

Finally, you arrive at a day that is comparatively an Easy Day Trek. Climbing from 10400 ft to 11 950 feet, it's a 3-hour trek for 6 km. It's the windiest part of your trek as winds gain speed here and make the trek longer by hours even though it's just a 6 km trek.

The water resources on the way are Bhagsa and Bikheybhanjang. Make sure you refill your bottles before moving ahead on the trek.

You can stop at Bikheybhanjang and get a view of Sandakphu. From here, to reach Sandapkphu, there are two ways a shorter and steeper one or a long and gradual ascent via Nepal. Once you come closer to reach the Sandakphu landscape, you will start noticing the tiny huts and tea houses that are scattered over the full landscape.

When you cross Phalut and begin your journey towards Molley is when you reach a point from where you can get the beautiful panoramic view of the Himalayas. The only point where you witness Everest, Makalu, Nuptse, Chamling, Lhotse, Chamling, and the whole range of the Annapurna's. The Sleeping Buddha in front of you and to your east the Peaks of Bhutan, the highest being Chomolhari. What else can you ask for from life being a trekker?

Twenty minutes walk from this point is your campsite where in the winters the temperature drops below minus zero and the whole landscape gets covered in snow.

Day 5: From Molley to Sandakphu:

Here comes another long day. Descending from 11 950 ft to 11 080 ft. A 7-8 hours trek of 12 km. This stretch becomes tricky if it rains as it's laid out through some rocky patches, muddy waters, and dense forest cover. The winds add to the difficulty. Though categorized as moderate, this patch may become slightly difficult if the weather doesn't support it.

The best is to begin your day early. This is the stretch that also provides you with a maximum of flora and fauna the Sankphau Phalut trek can offer. The airbrushes through your hair and whispers in your ear. The full bloom of flowers welcomes you to their terrain. Ain't it so fascinating to experience this atop a peak? And to add to the beauty of the place, you may come across the Yaks grazing around and soaking in the sun. Some multiple small ascents and descents finally lead you to the road. In 2 hrs, you reach the Thukumb Check post. Your tickets are checked here. Walk ahead for 20-30 minutes, and you would reach another check post of the Forest at Sabarkum. This marks the end of the day for you, and you set up a campsite here to rest for the night.

Day 6: From Sandakphu to Gurdum:

Ascending from 11080 ft to 7546 feet, 6 hours and 16 km trek. A moderate run-through combination of gradual ascents and descents. Make sure you carry sufficient water with you.

This is a stretch where at Phalut, you will witness the most magnificent view of the Kanchenjunga Family while returning. The trail from Molley going to Phalut is laid in a zigzag manner, and with the slow and steady pace, you can cover the whole stretch easily. Phalut is a place with majorly no vegetation. At the most, what you have is an SSB Campsite and a guest house. On the whole, the two can accommodate 25-26 trekkers if ever needed.

This is the only point as stated above take as much advantage of as possible because you cannot get the beautiful panoramic view of all the peaks from anywhere else. Unfortunately, if the weather is not clear, it's advised to head straight to Samanden.

The path leading to Samanden Village is a gradual descend from Phalut, where not only you witness the forest but also other beautiful peaks of Tenzingkhang, Narsing, Pandim, and Jubanu.

Next to Samanden is Gorkhey Village, another cozy village to get acquainted with the life of the locals. Once you reach here, do not miss the opportunity of exploring it as much as possible and get absorbed in its beauty.

Day 7: From Gurdum to Srikhola and then final goodbye at Bagdogra/NJP Station

Ascending from a height of 7546 feet to 6234 feet, a 4-5 hours trek of 11 km. It's the easiest day of all, and it's mostly walks with few ascents and descents. Carry sufficient water else refill at Ramam, where you will be in an hour into the trek.

The Village of Samanden is full of dense pines. Begin your journey a bit early into the day. Take the route to Sepi through Ramam. This stretch has ample pine trees and a few steep ascents. The Samanden will give you a feel of huts surrounded by lush greens and cozy dwellings. Once you are about to reach Ramam, you can take a break at SSB

Checkpost and sip in some Tea at the locals.

From Ramam to Sepi, the final destination, you will cross a beautiful wooden bridge. This bridge is at Srikhola. Post crossing this bridge, you reach Sepi through a motorable road by a walk of 30-40 minutes.

At Sepi, you indulge in Lunch that is served hot. Post Lunch, you depart for your final journey home via Airport/ Railways. Vehicles are arranged for the same.

What I like about the Sandakphu Trek:

Well, the hysteria is to go for this trek to have a spectacular view of the Himalayan peaks but let me tell you, it's not just that which Sandakphu has to offer you. The most cherished moments for me are the time spent with the locals. Soaking into the atmosphere of the incense-filled homes of the beautiful villages of Samanden and Gorkhey. It is an experience that will linger on in your memory for a lifetime.

The whole trek is spread over various camps where you keep on hopping from Nepal to India and vice versa. Here are a few cherished memories of the trek that I am here to share with you.

• The Sleeping Buddha: Kachenjenga, the third highest peak of the World, calls for your attention the moment you enter Darjeeling. The whole cluster, when framed together, gives an appearance of Lord Buddha having a peaceful sleep, and hence the view becomes not only exciting but also holds a spiritual connotation. From Day 1, this view grabs your attention, and you play hide and seek with it until you reach Tumling, where you can just rest for some time and watch it up close to experience what the calmness of the mountains has to offer you. Phalut is the destination when they appear as if they are just a stone's throw away, and if nothing else, what they offer you is to have a larger view of life so that you can find the Buddha within you.
• Samanden and Gorkhey: These beautiful villages will call you to settle down there. The tranquillity, the pine tree clusters, vegetable gardens, wooden huts, and the lap of nature. What else would you ask for in life? The villagers are clear-hearted and straightforward people, they welcome you as their own, and you would never like to leave them back. Trust me, and you won't leave these villages without feeling separation anxiety.
• No Visas: Ain't it funny? Well, to enter another country, a passport, a visa is a must but guess what Sandakphu gives you an experience where you can sneak in and out of India and Nepal in a blink of an eye. Chittrey is the first spot where you start noticing the boards signaling the Nepal and India border. Here you may have your Lunch in India and sleep in your tents in Nepal or a Dinner in Nepal and hop back in India into your tents. Doesn't that sound exciting!
• The stunning Sunsets: This may be the only place where you can witness the sunset below you and where clouds speckle over the ground. Well, the height and the landscape give you an experience where the long-distance views make it appear that the sun is setting below you, and you can feel you have merged with the sky as the clouds just pass by you. Just stand still for a moment, and you will feel the World within you has just witnessed a miracle unfold.

What I don't like about Sandakphu?

Hmm…A beautiful trek but everything in the World has a flaw.

• The packaged food: Sandakphu is an easily accessible place hence commercialization has reached here too. If you feel you have come away from the city to witness the rawness of nature, then you would be disappointed to see all that you get in a city easily available there. This also leads to the cluttering of the non-biodegradable materials, and unfortunately, that may lead to the destruction of the beauty that nature holds there.
• Trek Trail and The Traffic: Unfortunately, the trail and the commercial roads overlap; hence you may get traffic on the way while you are headed towards your journey.